Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, barriers to treatment, like concerns about cost or a lack of available providers, can make finding in-person therapy difficult. If you’re looking for mental health care in the Golden State, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
BetterHelp therapists have extensive experience and can help you work to overcome your unique challenges and meet your highest potential. From young adults needing help managing the effects of ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from events of the past, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn how to improve their mental wellness.
If you’re looking for a licensed therapist, CA has many online options available. Contact one of the providers below to schedule your first session and learn more about the benefits of online treatment.
Andrea McLellan
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." — Ralph Waldo Emerson In my journey, I have learned that the roots of our disharmony must be identified – we must become aware of the underlying causes of our problematic issues before we can recover our authentic self. In addition to doing individual therapy, I am an adjunct at a university where I teach Psychology and I am a court-recognized expert on sexual assault and child abuse. In this role, I do Forensic Psychology consultation work with attorneys who represent court-dependent minors. I look closely into the lives of people harmed, both physically and emotionally, within the context of the family. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, the maltreatment of children, and the elderly – vulnerable people who were harmed instead of protected by the family system. I am keenly aware of the negative impact, generationally, of this childhood exposure to family chaos and trauma. These experiences led me to intensely examine underlying motivations and to the advanced study of a psychological theory—family systems theory. I have learned that while justice is an important component of healing, it is not the whole picture. Authentic recovery must include awareness, responsibility, courage, and forgiveness. I help my clients discover for themselves these vital components of authentic healing. On a personal level, I enjoy nature and outdoor activities – the beach, hiking, bird-watching, and camping. I would like to include a note to our modern-day warriors – today’s public servants - those individuals who must daily share the pain of others- up close – our first responders. You may find yourself having significant impairment in your social or occupational areas of functioning, or you may have the need to process a stressful event you have experienced. If you begin experiencing increased emotional arousal (anger, irritability, fear, depression) in daily events, you may be experiencing acute stress response. There are critical components involved in coming to terms with acute or post-traumatic stress, and I would be honored to help you recognize and implement these steps. I have been there. To anyone considering therapy, no matter the source of their emotional pain, authentic healing involves understanding the fundamental processes of life and using the principles inherent in that understanding. Once the roots of our disharmony are identified—awareness—we can employ the principles of responsibility, courage, and forgiveness to recover genuine emotional health. My clients have taught me that they prefer practical, goal-driven therapy. Because of this, I like to use solution-focused and Cognitive Behavioral theories in my work. Many of my past clients have reported that they prefer these theories. They prefer improving negative symptoms during treatment via solution-focused therapy and setting clear, concise, and realistic goal-setting concepts found in Cognitive Behavioral treatment. Thank you for taking the time to read about me. I wish you the emotional health needed to live the life you dream of. In considering me as a therapist for yourself, I can't overstate my gratitude to you for allowing me to serve you in this way.
Elisabeth Welch
My name is Elisabeth and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from California. I’ve done therapy in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York City but was educated at the University of Southern California. I am eager to hear about how you are doing. I have worked with clients for over seven years, specializing in relationship issues, parenting, and managing stress, anxiety and depression. Life challenges can really knock us down and make it hard to move forward. I am here to be your support. With compassion and empowering conversation, we can work together to help you live your best life. I can help you make important, impactful decisions in your life, or be there to listen when you just need someone to talk to. Numerous people suffer from anxiety and depression but did you know that they are very treatable health issues? Research shows that there are many concrete techniques that can really make a difference in helping you deal with those feelings. My combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Attachment Science can help you live a fulfilling and happy life on your terms. A notable client I’ve worked with was a single mother who suffered from extreme sadness and feelings of being overwhelmed in social situations. After determining she suffered from depression, we worked on behavioral techniques to alleviate the symptoms of depression such as helping her to learn to reframe negative thoughts, utilize calming techniques and engage in endorphin-boosting behavior. The next layer was helping to identify the type of situations that would trigger her depression or social anxiety. After identifying some previous life events that caused her great distress and trauma, we were able to help her understand and identify why she became unhealthily depressed and anxious. This lead to a more fulfilling social life and a more emotionally stable outlook on life. She has a new life partner and a much more optimistic view on life. I hope I can help you to find the balance and happiness that you deserve. I look forward to working with you!
Susan Garner
I bring many years of clinical experience, my personal life experiences, and professional training to my work with clients. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 18 years, working with clients from 17-70+ years of age, including individuals, families, couples (including same sex couples), and those from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The common denominator in my work with every client is the depth of my commitment to their healing and personal growth. Together we will define your objectives and goals. The kinds of problems that each individual brings into therapy are often complicated and not usually neatly categorized. Human beings are complex and though many areas of functioning may be impacted, the source of these often result from a core emotional or psychological injury, or a traumatic event. Sometimes dysfunctional family of origin dynamics have adversely impacted our ability to have healthy, high functioning relationships and we need to learn new skills. For some, therapy can help to improve performance with personal goals. Whatever it is that you are seeking help with, it is well understood that the first step toward changing anything is in identifying the problem. Whatever your objectives my be (even when these are not clearly identified or understood), I am confident that I can help you gain clarity and work towards achieving whatever your goals may be. Therapy has been described as the "talking" cure and sometimes the very act of talking or sharing of experience and feelings with an experienced professional can help...help in the moment to not feel so alone or crazy, and in the long run, to have the clarity, confidence and self-esteem to create a life by design. Studies have shown that there are two important factors in determining the success of therapy: 1) the client's perception of the therapists skills and knowledge and 2) the relationship, or therapeutic alliance, between therapist and client. I offer you my respect, compassion and acceptance. I have studied a variety therapy disciplines and blend traditions from the East (mindfulness, insight-oriented therapy) and West (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-CBT), somatic body-mind centered, and psychodynamic approaches to effectively address individual needs and differences. I have successfully worked with: relationships, marital problems, self-esteem, communication skills, healthy boundaries, self-esteem and self-confidence, mood disorders, co-dependency, unresolved traumas, anxiety, changing counter-productive patterns, life transitions including loss of loved ones, divorce, blended families.
Ann Legierski
Hello, my name is Ann Legierski and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Phoenix. I have been in practice as a therapist for the past 13 years working with people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and ethnicities, including individuals, couples, families, and the LGBTQIA community. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and integrates several therapeutic modalities such as evidenced based treatment modalities that include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), psychoeducation and more holistic approaches such as humanistic and existential psychotherapies. I meet each client from a client centered approach in order to establish a therapeutic relationship based on empathy, unconditional compassion and regard, respect, understanding, and acceptance and providing a safe, non-judgmental and nurturing therapeutic environment. Treatment plans are specifically designed to each clients own personal uniqueness and personal goals and objectives. Ultimately I try to teach each one of my clients to embrace change to help them understand that change is an ever present constant but that it is vitally important and necessary for factor for growth and to thrive. My role as therapist is to provide education, encouragement, insight, and feedback that will motivate and fortify their courage to stay the course to navigate their personal journey called life! “Everybody has a life purpose. Whatever is seeking you, that’s what you seek. That what’s calling you. That’s your life purpose.” -Sabine Bulhmann I look forward to working with you!
Marisol Elizarraras
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Maria Lopez-Boles
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I am bilingual (English/Spanish). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Vanessa Hernandez
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Jennifer Getchell
I am licensed in California and Minnesota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Rosa Winter
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Elizabeth Shartle
I am a licensed clinical counselor in Ohio, and I am also licensed in California. For over fifteen years, I have worked with adults with addiction, anxiety, grief and depression. Many of my clients have experienced past trauma, family conflicts, and issues with motivation and self-esteem. My vision of counseling is to come along side the person who is hurting to offer understanding and encouragement as you share your story so that together we can figure out a plan for moving forward. My counseling techniques emphasize behavioral strategies and interpersonal skills, while drawing on the tenets of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT emphasizes living and engaging in life according to your values so that you make intentional choices and feel better with the choices you make. My overall approach is person-centered, and our interaction will always be underscored by respect and genuine care. We want our lives to matter, and we want to be important to those we love. Being seen and heard is crucial, and sometimes, just feeling understood for a moment is priceless. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with you here in this forum!
Lois Craig
Welcome and thank you for checking out my profile. I am available to work with an adult population, and as a licensed therapist, I am sensitive to the fact that sometimes people’s lives are not going the way they would like. And for some, they are not even sure why. This, and many other issues interfere with our self-satisfaction, happiness, sense of safety and our relationships. My experience lies with helping people to sort through their experiences and to understand where and how they can make needed changes. My primary approach to therapy is to use EMDR and somatic interventions with my clients gain awareness of what stands in their way of healing their traumas. My experience also includes working with anxiety and depression, OCD, DID , stress and behavioral issues along with a range of other problems.
Haley Flores
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How can therapists in California support you?
Therapists in California can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 32,349,851 people live in California, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in California may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why are many residents in the state of California working with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county in California, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
Mental health counselors in California support clients with varying issues, which can include:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some commonly asked questions can be found below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
How do I know if I should get a therapist?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in California can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy safe?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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